Implementation of energy efficiency practices into U.S. retail sector by facilities managers
Date
2022
Authors
Saadatian Farivar, Armin, author
Olbina, Svetlana, advisor
Ozbek, Mehmet E., committee member
Omur-Ozbek, Pinar, committee member
Besiktepe, Deniz, committee member
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Abstract
Review of literature indicated that an in-depth analysis of implementation status of energy efficiency practices into U.S. retail sector, their benefits, barriers that prevented their wider implementation, and potential solutions for increasing the sector's energy efficiency was missing. The research purpose was to explore the status of implementing energy efficiency practices into the U.S. food and non-food retail sectors utilizing an in-depth review of the literature and a survey. To accomplish the research purpose, the following four research questions were examined: 1) To what extent do facilities managers in the U.S. integrate sustainable practices to achieve energy-efficient retail facilities? 2) What are the realized and perceived benefits of implementing sustainable practices by facilities managers to achieve energy-efficient retail facilities in the U.S.? 3) What are the realized and perceived barriers to implementing sustainable practices by facilities managers to achieve energy-efficient retail facilities in the U.S.? and 4) What do facilities managers propose as viable solutions that could help wider implementation of energy-efficient practices in the U.S. retail sector? Ninety-six facilities management professionals responded to the survey. The gathered data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistical methods, and statistical tests such as pooled two sample t-tests and Welch-Satterthwaite t-tests. The research findings indicated that a majority of facilities managers that participated in the survey integrated energy efficiency practices into their retail facilities. Facilities managers perceived the integration of building systems such as energy efficient electrical lighting and energy efficient HVAC systems as effective practices in enhancing the energy efficiency of their facilities. Respondents that integrated energy efficiency practices perceived that reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills were beneficial. Similarly, respondents that never integrated energy efficiency practices perceived that integration of such practices could result in benefits such as reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. However, respondents perceived no reduction of CO2 emissions. Respondents that integrated energy efficiency practices perceived that financial constraints prevented them from implementing such practices. Respondents that never integrated energy efficiency practices perceived that teamwork inefficiencies, lack of negotiation skills, and lack of support for energy efficiency practices from upper management prevented the use of energy efficiency practices in their facilities. Facilities managers proposed incorporation of commissioning into the building's life cycle, and proactive operation and maintenance of sustainable building systems as viable solutions that could help wider implementation of energy-efficient practices in the retail sector. The study is significant as the U.S. retail sector, among commercial buildings, accounts for the most energy consumption per year. Hence, identifying the most effective energy efficiency practices, their benefits, barriers that prevented wider implementation, and utilizing potential solutions proposed by facilities managers could enhance energy efficiency of this sector.
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Embargo Expires: 05/24/2024
Subject
environmental sustainability
retail
energy efficiency
sustainability
facilities management